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Ramon MasatsSpanish photographer
Date of Birth: 17.03.1931
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Ramón Masats, the Innovative Spanish Photographer
- Photojournalism Career and AFAL
- The "Madrid School" of Photography
- Artistic Evolution and Awards
- Collaboration and Transition to Film
- Documenting Spain's Heritage
- Return to Photography and Legacy
Ramón Masats, the Innovative Spanish Photographer
Early Years and Spark of InterestRamón Masats, a renowned Spanish photographer, first developed his passion for photography during his military service. While seeking distraction from the monotony, he stumbled upon an issue of Arte Fotográfico magazine. With money hidden from his father, Masats purchased a camera, took his first photographs, and joined a photography club at a casino in Terrassa.
Photojournalism Career and AFAL
In 1953, Masats began his career as a photojournalist with a series documenting Barcelona's Las Ramblas. The following year, he joined the Association of Catalan Photographers and shared a studio with colleagues Ricard Terré and Xavier Miserachs. In 1957, he moved to Madrid and traveled extensively throughout Spain, working as a photojournalist for Gaceta Ilustrada magazine. That same year, he joined the collective of photographers Grupo fotográfico AFAL, who became pioneers of mid-20th century photography in Spain.
The "Madrid School" of Photography
Along with other photographers like Gabriel Cuallado, Gerardo Vielba, and Paco Gomez, Masats established the group La palangana ("The Washbasin"). Later joined by Juan Dolcet Santos, Rafael Romero, and Gonzalo Juanes, they formed the nucleus of what would become known as the "Madrid School of Photography."
Artistic Evolution and Awards
Between 1958 and 1964, Masats collaborated with various periodicals, showcasing his work in both solo and group exhibitions. He received the Negtor Award in 1960. In 1962, he published "Neutral Angle," a collaboration with writer Ignacio Aldecoa featuring Masats' photographs. His seminal book "San Fermín" (1963), depicting the annual festival in Pamplona, won the award for best-published book of the year.
Collaboration and Transition to Film
In 1964, Masats published "Old Stories of Old Castile" with Miguel Delibes and collaborated on an exhibition with Carlos Saura. He also directed his first documentary film, "Living Prado." After winning awards at the Bilbao Film Festival, Masats shifted his focus to documentary filmmaking for Spanish television for 18 years.
Documenting Spain's Heritage
Masats' documentaries explored Spanish villages and customs, including series like "Meet Spain," "Roots," and "Rivers." His crowning achievement was the feature film "Topical Spanish," which he wrote and featured prominent Spanish musicians.
Return to Photography and Legacy
In 1981, Masats returned to photography, primarily using color. He published numerous photo albums and anthologies, including "Our Madrid" with Luis Carandell (1981), "Andalusia" with José Manuel Caballero Bonald (1986), and a retrospective of 150 images at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid (1999).
His exhibitions have been held in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Reina Sofía Museum, Madrid's Ateneo, and Cervantes Institute centers. Masats' works are held in the collections of institutions such as the Reina Sofía Art Center, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Masats' role in capturing the cultural fabric of Spain, bridging history and modernity, and promoting culture has been widely recognized. He continues to inspire and influence photographers, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of Spanish photography.
